On-chip quantum interference between the origins of a multi-photon state

There has been broad interest in path identity in recent years due to its role as a foundation for numerous novel quan-tum information applications. Here, we experimentally demonstrate quantum coherent superposition of two different origins of a four-photon state, where multi-photon frustrated interference emerges from the quantum indistinguisha-bility by path identity. The quantum state is created in four probabilistic photon-pair sources on one integrated silicon photonic chip, two combinations of which can create photon quadruplets. Coherent elimination and revival of the dis-tributed four photons are fully controlled by tuning phases. The experiment gives rise to peculiar quantum interference of two possible ways to create photon quadruplets rather than interference of different intrinsic properties of photons. Besides many known potential applications, this kind of multi-photon nonlinear interference enables the possibility for various fundamental studies such as nonlocality with multiple spatially separated locations.

Automated summary

In this study, the authors experimentally demonstrate the quantum coherent superposition of a four-photon state with two different origins. The emergence of multi-photon frustrated interference is due to the quantum indistinguishability by path identity. The quantum state is created on a silicon photonic chip using four probabilistic photon-pair sources, and the distributed four photons can be fully controlled by tuning phases.